PANAJI
In a major decision, the State government on Monday decided to create two more districts, Mapusa and Ponda, for the purpose of police administration.
There will now be a total of four police districts with four district Superintendents of Police to oversee each unit.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant disclosed the decision in a tweet. “In a major decision, Govt of Goa has decided to create two New Police Districts, namely Mapusa and Ponda. Hence, there will now be a total of 4 police districts with 4 district SPs. This decision will enable better & effective control over law and order, and prevention of crime,” the official handle of CM Sawant tweeted.
Admitting the reality of the upward crime graph in the State and arguing that North and South Goa districts are geographically vast with several ‘crime-prone’ areas under each, the State government has offered several reasons to explain its decision. Moreover, the creation of two additional police districts is expected to bring Goa Police closer to the remotest places in the State.
For instance, it has been pointed out that the arrival of a large number of tourists has resulted in tourist-related crimes and other issues. “With Goa hosting many international events and the participants and the visitors coming from the higher echelons of the society, it has put a tremendous strain on the police machinery. Likewise, frequent visits of VVIPs require elaborate police arrangements involving large scale police deployments during their visits,’ the government said in a press release seeking to underline the necessity to increase the number of police districts in Goa.
In addition to effective control over crime and security situations, the move is also expected to ensure better supervision over the police force during exigencies.
The government has also sought to highlight the need for effective policing in the industrial estates and along the vast coastline in Goa. The issue of influx of migrant population has been cited.
“Over the years, the role and tasks of Goa police have expanded and its functioning has become highly complex calling for a higher degree of professional skills and expertise,” the government stated.
It has been further stressed that the geographical vastness of both the existing districts has made it difficult for one SP to manage crime prevention while also maintaining law and order effectively.
Interestingly, the government believes that police work will also increase due to the upcoming international airport at Mopa and hopes to reduce the burden on Goa Police well in advance.
“The supervision of investigation of incidents of crimes is one of the major responsibilities of the SP. Since the present districts are too big, the SPs are unable to give high priority and proper attention to the investigation of grave crimes in view of the sheer number of crimes reported in the districts. The SPs are also unable to visit all the scenes of grave crimes to inspire confidence of the people in police,” explains the press release.
Hence, it is believed that the decision will facilitate the people from remote places to visit the district SP within a short time and will also allow the SPs to have meetings with the citizens.
